Wonton Taco Cups

These Wonton Taco Cups bring all the fun and flavor of traditional tacos into a crispy, handheld bite that works perfectly for parties, weeknight dinners, or appetizers. They combine seasoned ground beef, salsa, and melted cheese inside golden-brown wonton wrappers for a texture that is both crunchy and satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe makes taco night a fun twist that everyone will love.

I first made these for a casual gettogether and was surprised how quickly they disappeared. Everyone loved being able to grab a little taco cup without the mess of a traditional taco shell.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: opt for 80/20 for a balance of flavor and juiciness you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option
• Taco seasoning: adds the classic taco flavor I recommend using low sodium if you want to control salt levels
• Chunky salsa: this replaces water in the seasoning packet and adds moisture plus tanginess
• Wonton wrappers: key for crisp, buttery cups look for fresh ones in the refrigerated produce section
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese: melts beautifully and enhances the taco theme use cheddar or pepper jack if you prefer more spice
• Olive oil: optional but helpful if your beef is very lean, it helps with browning
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, red onion, cilantro, or your favorite taco sauce to personalize each cup

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 12cup muffin pan to prevent sticking

Cook the beef:

Heat half a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat if using lean beef. Add ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess grease for a cleaner bite

Season the meat:

Stir in a packet of taco seasoning and half a cup of chunky salsa directly into the cooked beef. The salsa provides enough moisture so skip the water usually called for on the seasoning packet

Assemble the wonton cups:

Place two wonton wrappers overlapping inside each muffin cup. If your wrappers are larger, one per cup can work as long as it covers the whole space and slightly hangs over

Fill the cups:

Spoon about two tablespoons of the taco meat mixture into each wonton cup. Using a springloaded cookie scoop makes this quick and even

Bake until golden:

Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the wonton wrappers are lightly toasted and crisp. The meat is already cooked so the goal here is a crispy shell

Add cheese and melt:

Immediately after baking, top each cup with shredded cheese. The warmth will melt it perfectly

Add toppings and serve:

Dress them with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, or cilantro for a fresh finish

I especially love the crunchy texture that the wonton wrappers bring to the table. One family night, my kids and I had a blast customizing our own cups with different toppings and it became an instant tradition

Storage tips

Store leftover taco cups in an airtight container once completely cooled to keep the wontons crisp. Eat within two to three days for best texture. Reheat in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or air fryer at 360 degrees for a few minutes to preserve crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the wonton wrappers soggy.

Ingredient substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter protein option. Egg roll or spring roll wrappers may work, but expect a difference in texture and possibly longer baking time. Do not double up wrappers if using these alternatives. Try different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice or creaminess.

Serving suggestions

These taco cups pair well with classic Mexican sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. They also make a great appetizer at parties where guests can add their own toppings from a taco bar setup.

Enjoy these wonton taco cups warm and customize toppings to suit your taste. Theyre a quick crowdpleasing snack or meal.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute wonton wrappers with another ingredient?

Egg roll or spring roll wrappers can work as alternatives, but adjust baking time accordingly to avoid overly thick or soggy cups.

→ What sides complement these savory cups?

Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad to balance the flavors and textures.

→ Where are wonton wrappers located in stores?

Typically found in the refrigerated produce section or Asian foods aisle of most grocery stores.

→ Can these cups be made in advance and frozen?

The beef mixture freezes well, but assembled cups don’t freeze properly as wrappers can become rubbery when thawed and reheated.

→ What’s the best method to reheat leftover cups?

Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or use an air fryer at 360°F for 6-8 minutes for crispy results without sogginess.

→ How can I add more flavor to the meat filling?

Try adding chopped green chilies, minced garlic, diced sweet onions, or a splash of hot sauce for extra spice and depth.

→ How should leftovers be stored to maintain crispiness?

Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature or fridge for 2-3 days to keep wonton wrappers crisp.